5 Best Mini & Compact Circular Saws In 2022 (Review & Guide)

There’s no doubt that circular saws are widely used, but they’re not always the right choice. The best mini circular saw is required for extremely thin material or when working in tight spaces. They’re ideal for cutting flooring, drywall, and paneling.

However, you need to choose the right tool based on the job. The following list has the best mini circular saws if you’re looking for a little new cutting action. Additionally, we have added some extra information to let you know if your fit is right for you.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEWALT DCS391B

Product Features

Item Weight: 7.1 pounds
Product Dimensions: 15.5 x 8.5 x 10.5 inches
Batteries: 1 Lithium-Ion battery required
Speed: 5150 RPM
Blade Length: 6.5 Inches
Cutting Angle: ‎50 Degrees
Power Source: Battery Powered
Voltage” 20 Volts

Description

The compact circular saw from Dewalt is the best choice for those looking for a workhorse that can do it all. This saw only measures 15.25 inches across, so it won’t take up much space in your shop. It weighs 7.1 pounds, which makes it relatively easy to transport. In order to provide a smooth cut through nearly any material, Dewalt equipped it with a powerful 20-watt motor. As an added bonus, this saw operates on batteries and is cordless.

As a result of the high-strength magnesium alloy used in Dewalt’s circular saws, they are susceptible to bending or buckling over time. This saw had problems with battery life due to its power draw on the batteries. A rubber comfort grip overmolded by Dewalt makes the grip comfortable for extended use. It is recommended to purchase a battery with a capacity of 4 or 5 Ah if you plan to use the saw for long periods of time.

According to an Amazon customer review, this saw is lightweight and easy to use with high quality.  It is easy to use and great for cutting sub-floor, stringers, 2×4, and much more.

Sale
DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch Blade, 460 MWO Engine, 0-50 Degree Bevel Capability, Bare Tool Only (DCS391B)
  • 5150 RPM motor of DEWALT circular saw delivers power and speed to make the most demanding cuts with ease
  • High strength and lightweight magnesium shoe of the corded circular saw provides jobsite durability for long-term cut accuracy
  • Optimized rubber overmolded comfort grip of the compact circular saw delivers optimal balance and control
  • 0-50 degree bevel capacity allows for aggressive bevel cuts for a multitude of applications
  • 6-1/2-inch carbide-tipped blade for cutting 2 times material at 90 degree and 45 degree and more cuts per charge

Things we loved about it

  • A comfortable grip over-molded.
  • Blade diameter of 6.5 inches.
  • Lightweight and cordless.

Things we should consider

  • The batteries can run out very quickly

Genesis GCS445SE Compact Circular Saw

Product Features

Item Weight: 6.05 pounds
Product Dimensions: 17 x 4 x 5 inches
Batteries: No batteries required
Speed: 3500 RPM
Blade Length: 2 Inches
Cutting Angle: 45 Degrees
Power Source: Corded Electric
Voltage: 120 Volts
Included Components: ‎Blade Wrench, Parallel Guide, Vacuum Adapter, One 4.0 Amp 4-1/2 in. Compact Circular Saw, 24T Blad

Description

This compact saw from Genesis is the most affordable option for users who want a compact saw without spending a lot of money. The 4.0 amp motor with 3500 RPM of the Genesis GCS545C may not be as powerful as the 5.8 amp motor of the Genesis GCS545C, but it cuts through most materials easily. Long straight cuts with one hand are easy with the carbide-tipped blade and barrel grip. 

A cutting depth gauge and bevel control lever are located at your fingertips, making this circular saw convenient and easy to use. A spindle lock, which is also part of the Genesis GCS545C 5.8 amp motor, allows you to change a high-quality circular saw blades quickly and safely. As a result of the vacuum adapter, dust extraction is also effortless.

According to an Amazon customer review, this saw is lightweight which makes it easier to work with it. It is good for small woodworking projects (building chicken coops).

Sale
Genesis GCS445SE 4.0 Amp 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw with 24T Carbide-Tipped Blade, Rip Guide, Vacuum Adapter, and Blade Wrench
  • 4.0 Amp Motor and 3500 RPM with 4-1/2 in. Blade and 3/8 in. Arbor
  • Barrel Grip for One-Handed Operation – Save time and energy by using a lighter saw!
  • Easy-To-Use Depth and Bevel Controls – make beveled cuts, plunge cuts, and cross cuts with ease!
  • Cuts through 2x material – no need to switch to a larger saw
  • Spindle lock for quick blade changes – safely and quickly change blades!

Things we loved about it

  • The motor is very powerful.
  • The handle is great.
  • Torque is plentiful.
  • It can be used for more than just wood.

Things we should consider

  • It is only suitable for straight cuts.
  • Suitable for wood more than other materials.

Makita SH02R1 Cordless Circular Saw Kit

Product Features

Item Weight: 3.5 pounds
Product Dimensions: 14.5 x 8 x 10.2 inches
Batteries: 2 Lithium-Ion batteries required
Speed: 1500 RPM
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Power Source: Hand Powered
Cutting Angle: 90 Degrees
Voltage: 12 Volts
Included Components: 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion batteries and charger

Description

A compact saw like this one is a bit smaller than many others, but it’s ideal for trimming, molding, and light projects. In addition to its great ergonomics, the blade is extremely easy to control.

First and foremost, you can expect the usual Makita quality. Three 3 ⅜” blades are used, which can be adjusted to achieve a cutting depth of 1”. The saw is almost as small as a full-size option, but it’s still enough for most uses.

There is a tendency for it to feel underpowered on hard materials. A cordless circular saw has this problem, but it can be avoided by choosing the right blade. A mini circular saw like this one is perfect for what it is intended for. The lightweight and easy-to-use tool can be used wherever you are.

According to Amazon’s customer review, this is clearly an amazing tool. It is smaller, lighter, and less powerful than larger saws. Especially good for left-handed peeps with limited strength and flexibility but most left-handers will enjoy this tool in use.  Ergonomically it’s the best compact circular saw of all.

Makita SH02R1 12V max CXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-3/8″ Circular Saw Kit (2.0Ah)
  • Makita-built motor delivers 1,500 RPM for faster cutting
  • 3-3/8″ blade delivers a maximum cutting depth of 1″ for a wide range of cutting applications
  • Adjustable cutting depth from 1″ at 90° and 5/8″ at 45°
  • Tilting base for bevel cuts from 0° – 45°
  • Cuts plywood, MDF, pegboard, particleboard, melamine, drywall and more

Things we loved about it

  • The device is battery-operated.
  • Ergonomic design.
  • Easily controlled.
  • Portable and lightweight.

Things we should consider

  • It has only a 1″ blade depth.
  • Comparatively underpowered.

Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw

Product Features

Item Weight: 5 pounds
Product Dimensions: 18.2 x 4.2 x 6.9 inches
Batteries: 1 Unknown battery required.
Speed: 3500 RPM
Cutting Angle: 45 Degrees
Voltage: 120 Volts
Blade Length: 2 Inches
Power Source: Corded Electric

Description

This saw from Rockwell is a great choice if you require professional quality. The blade is easy to see and has a 5 amp motor.

This device has impressive power for its weight. It weighs under 5 pounds, is easy to set up, and has a well-designed handle. For smooth woodcuts, it also spins quite high on the RPM scale at 3500RPM.

It has a cutting edge half as thin as a full-size circular saw blade, and it’s carbide-tipped. As a result, the saw can make fast, accurate cuts comparable to those of a full-sized saw with its 5 amp motor. The only downside for me was the sawdust port clogs easily, which is unfortunate but only requires a little bit of maintenance.

In general, this is an excellent saw as it is well designed as well as built with professional quality materials. Cuts well and will last a long time.

According to an Amazon customer review, this compact saw is so darn handy, lays easily in my tool bag, and is more convenient than my larger traditional circular saw to tot around that it’s becoming my go-to saw for small to intermediate cuts in wood and metal. It has a nice /precise /quality rip fence and angle cut feature and the knobs are quick and secure to set any angle cut.

Rockwell 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw, 5 amps, 3500 rpm, with Dust Port and Starter Kit– RK3441K , Black
  • [MORE MANEUVERABILITY] All the functionality of a full-size circular saw but in a compact design that’s easier to use, and easier to make quick cuts with
  • [REAR MOTOR] For a more balanced feel. With the motor in the handle, you control much of the weight of the saw with just the palm of your hand for smoother movements
  • [EASY DEPTH SETTING] The readily accessible adjustment lever lets you change the cut on the fly, and the bevel adjustment lever enables you to make cuts from 0-45°
  • [SPINDLE LOCK BUTTON] For quick and safe blade changes. Just grab the included blade key and switch out any brand’s 4-1/2” blade
  • [IMPROVED BLADE VISIBILITY] The left-handed blade housing allows you to see exactly where you’re cutting, for straighter, more accurate cuts

Things we loved about it

  • It is extremely lightweight.
  • The motor is 5 amps.
  • The motor rotates at a high rate.

Things we should consider

  • It is easy to clog the sawdust collector.

Worx WX531L 20V WORXSAW

Product Features

Item Weight: 8.98 pounds
Product Dimensions: 15.25 x 3.72 x 5.6 inches
Batteries: ‎1 Lithium-Ion battery required
Speed: 6900 RPM
Cutting Angle: 45 Degrees
Voltage: 20 Volts
Blade Length: 2 Inches
Power Source: Battery-Powered

Description

This cordless saw from Worx offers high power for those who need it. The brushless motor and 20V battery combine to give this little saw the same power as a full-size saw. 

Its compact design makes it suitable for areas with limited space, despite its larger saw blade and impressive power. Especially suitable for narrow workpieces with limited clamping space, the narrow sled makes sense for narrow workpieces with limited clamping space. 

There are a few drawbacks to the narrow sled, such as accidentally tilting the blade and cutting a slight bevel. By keeping a comfortable position while cutting and being careful with your cut, this shouldn’t pose a problem.

This is an excellent option for DIYers who need something that can handle everyday tasks like 2x4s. If you need to make angled cuts, it can even bevel up to 45 degrees.

According to Amazon’s customer review, this saw is very well designed. It is lightweight with high maneuverability. The safety features ensure that even a novice cannot misuse this saw or cause an accident. This saw is great for smaller projects and outdoors since it runs on a battery. Cuts great and holds a decent charge.

Sale
Worx Nitro 20V Brushless 4-1/2″ Cordless Circular Saw, Compact Circular Saw, Up to 6,900 RPM, 0-46° Bevel Cuts, Circular Saw Cordless WX531L – Battery & Charger Included
  • BOOSTED POWER, FASTER CUTS: Engineered with brushless motor, this circular saw achieves a 30% faster cutting speed than the previous AC circular saw, with an impressive no-load speed of up to 6900 RPM.
  • SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER: The same Power Share batteries that run this cordless circular saw can conveniently be used with 140+ power tools, outdoor power equipment, and lifestyle products from the Worx Power Share platform.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT: This compact circular saw is the lightest and most compact option in its class, measuring just 14″ in length and weighing only 4 lbs. (w/o battery). Move around your workspace comfortably and effortlessly without fatigue.
  • PRO-GRADE POWER: Thanks to the brushless motor and advanced circuit control tech, this circular saw delivers 2X more cutting capacity than bulky traditional models, easily slicing through 1-1/2” thick wood.
  • PRECISE BEVEL CUTS: It only takes a simple turn of a knob to get the perfect cuts with your battery circular saw. Use the bevel cut adjustment knob to set precise cutting angles from 0° to 46°

Things we loved about it

  • A blade of 4 ½ inches.
  • The power is decent.
  • User-friendly.

Things we should consider

  • Quality is not good enough.
  • Tilts easily while cutting.

Things we loved about it

  • The flip stop is accurate to 1/32″.
  • Custom sub-fences are easy to add.
  • Miter slots will not be scratched by the nylon adjustment mechanism.
  • All angles are positive stops.

Things we should consider

  • Aluminum models are lighter than steel heads. 
  • It can be difficult to calibrate multiple scales on telescoping fences.

Buying Guide

Maximum RPMs

With the trim saw, you can cut the edges of your wood with the assurance that they are clean and defined. The blade rotates faster when it makes contact with the wood because of its thinner thickness. The top number produced by some manufacturers may be listed under load, while the max RPM may be advertised while the machine is being used.

Maximum Cutting Depth

You should purchase a saw that is capable of cutting through the material widths you normally work with. It can be difficult for a compact circular saw to cut as deeply when it is angled as when cutting at 90 degrees compared to cutting at 90 degrees. The mini circular saw’s maximum cutting depth is another significant factor.

Motor Power

The motor power and type of motor will be listed when buying a small saw kit to help you determine whether it can handle jobs easily. It is most common to find motor amps in compact circular saws, which are equivalent to motor power. You can sometimes find motors ranging from 3 to 6 amps. A motor that has a higher number of amps is more powerful. The type of material you are cutting determines how powerful the motor is.

Ease of Use

The visibility on many model saws are on the left, making it difficult for left-handed people to see. By using a rubber grip, you will be able to work for longer hours, reducing operator fatigue. Some models even have an LED light that illuminates the cutting area. 

Cutting Precision

It is important that you concentrate on design elements that ensure the blade will not slip or fall out of alignment as it spins. As the saw cuts, you can also stay on your mark by adding visual aids like laser guides. It is important to keep in mind that thinner blades can cut more precisely, so they should be taken into account at this stage as well.  

Dust Collection

When you’ve used a circular blade before, you know how quickly the dust accumulates. The blade and housing are usually too close together for this to be possible with a more compact saw. A manufacturer may separate their saw from similar designs by adding features beyond a standard hose connection.

Safety

An easy-to-remove blade guard is a great feature since blade guards should never be removed. Don’t tape down or alter safety switches. Once you release the trigger, the brakes clamp down on the blade, causing it to stop immediately. Use the saw with respect. There’s still enough power in a 4 ½” blade to take off fingers or severely wound an errant limb even though it’s not as damaging as a 7 ¼”  blade. If you’re new to using a saw, read up on how to use it safely.

Warranty

A portable circular saw is an important tool in your toolbox, so make sure you take care of it properly to ensure that it lasts for years to come. There are many manufacturers who offer warranties on their saws so that their customers can have peace of mind and know they’re getting a good product.

Wrapping Up

The Genesis GCS445SE is the best compact mini circular saw on the market today. This tool cuts fast, powerfully, and accurately. More maneuverability and better balance will make your armless strained and increase your control.

There is a quick and easy way to change the settings and a spindle lock that provides a safe blade transition.  Cleaning and maintenance are made easier with the GCS445SE’s built-in vacuum port.

You can also choose DEWALT DCS391B for its all-around use thanks to its relatively large diameter blade, cordless portability, and the over-molded comfort grip that makes it a pleasure to wield.

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